Andrew Jordan, 888 & The Potential For A Devastating Partnership Of Success

Andrew Jordan has become the first big name to announce his 2015 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car plans after joining Triple Eight Racing on a one-year-deal. Chris Ashby digs deeper into the one of the revelations of ‘silly season’.

After months of speculation and intrigue, a significant part of the 2015 puzzle was confirmed with the 2013 champion Andrew Jordan swapping his Honda Civic for a MG6 GT and replacing the already departed Jason Plato.

Having competed six of his seven years in the BTCC to date with the family-run Eurotech Racing outfit, the 25-year-old has elected to step away from the surroundings that he and the fans have become accustomed to, a decision that can’t have been easy to make. It is however a decision that says a lot about the Red Bull athlete.

Jordan could easily have stayed at Eurotech alongside his father Mike and continued to build on the success that they have already achieved. Instead Jordan is willing to take the risk that comes with moving to a new team in search of further success – that I applaud.

Jordan’s move to the reigning manufacturer-constructor champions is one that has the potential to provide a devastating partnership – of success. Triple Eight have amassed more than 20 titles since making their debut in 1997 and knows what it takes to win championships, as does Jordan.

Aside from Colin Turkington/BMW, Jason Plato and the MG6 were one of the strongest packages on the 2014 grid, ultimately showing that it was the front-wheel-drive machine to be in. Although Plato was unable to secure the drivers’ championship with the manufacturer, there is no reason why Jordan can’t break the streak.

Adjusting to a new car is always going to take time however come round one at Brands Hatch in April there should be no reason as to why he won’t be challenging for victory. An extensive pre-season test programme is expected to begin in February and traditionally Jordan has been the driver to complete the most mileage prior to a new season in the past few years.

In the three years that Plato was behind the wheel of the MG6, considerable progression was made but the question of what else can be improved will be asked. Jordan’s methodical preparation and attention to detail may well unlock a few more secrets from the MG6 and produce increased performance.

Of course with Jordan being the only former champion to be confirmed in 2015 as of yet, it is unclear as to who will fill the remaining front running seats and join Jordan in what will no doubt be a eventful quest for the biggest prize in British motorsport.

Completing unfinished business is another intriguing factor surrounding Jordan’s move to Triple Eight.The 2015 campaign will also be Jordan’s second stint with the team having driven for the Greatworth-based outfit in 2009. At just 19-years-old and in his second season at the time, Jordan amassed four podiums as well as a maiden pole position behind the wheel of a Vauxhall Vectra but inexperience sometimes shone through.

Now a more complete driver, it seems that the stars are aligning for the Pirtek-backed racer to regain the championship that he lost last year.

Ian Harrison has claimed it was a ‘no-brainer’ in relation to Jordan replacing Plato and he may be right come October if Jordan secures the teams first drivers’ title since Fabrizio Giovanardi in 2008.

Fans attending the Autosport Show this weekend can meet Jordan and see his 2015 challenger on the dedicated Dunlop BTCC stand.